Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar? - Jalopnik Comments

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

lelander — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:51:57 EST

There goes my chances of getting an old one - this will drive the price up by another 5 grand. They're already in the stratosphere. Zoinks.

lelander

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

mmr — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:36:10 EST

That is a beautiful car right there. And unlike most concepts, you could literally just take that image and put it into production. Assuming they make it SMALLER than a mini it would be the hottest thing on the street.

mmr

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Rust-MyEnemy — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:04:14 EST

@Novaload: Oop, can't stay around, the elves need feeding, and are under attack from that 'orrible leprechaun.

Rust-MyEnemy

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Rust-MyEnemy — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 06:02:08 EST

@Novaload: Ha! they're shortasses, but the Mini is absolutely gigantic next to the KA...

I'm 6'5", height skipped their generation.....

Rust-MyEnemy

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Novaload — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:06:01 EST

@ranwhenparked: Yeah, I've seen the originals, they would fit in the trunk of a US car. I didn't know they had also bloated up in the UK. I do find it hard to imagine someone looking at a mini and saying, don't you have anything smaller?
But Rust's parent's, the Enemies, could still be adorable little elves, right? I had pictured one standing on the seat, steering, and the other working the pedals and shift "It's a bloody barge! Call Rust! We must get something smaller." Sort of like that roamin' gnome thing.

Novaload

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

ranwhenparked — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 21:50:48 EST

@Novaload:

The MINI is about 50% larger than the original Mini, and is now about the same size as a Ford Focus, which in a British-sized garage that also holds a lot of other clutter could actually present a tight fit. Clearly, they're looking for a city car, which is one full step below the MINI in size, and right now the options are a bit limited. Basically the Ford Ka and Smart ForTwo as the mainstream choices.

Garages and driveways in the UK seem to be built almost ludicrously small- remember that bit on Top Gear where James May couldn't park his Bentley T2 at home due to the size? And that's a pretty modestly sized car in the scheme of things.

ranwhenparked

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Novaload — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 20:33:00 EST

@Rust-MyEnemy: The Mini is too big? How big are your parents, exactly?

Novaload

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Euromobile — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:27:09 EST

@no_slushbox: Flat-twin FTW!

@Rust-MyEnemy: Agreed. If the price was right, BMW would end the Smart at a stroke. The funny thing is, if it carries a BMW badge, they can probably get away with a totally unreasonable price tag and people will still buy it.

Given the structure of the (allegedly) forthcoming Loremo, is the front opening door not still a possibility?

Euromobile

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

petersterncan — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:25:30 EST

@FreeMan: I'm sure they could do that... but for a car that would be perfect in the city, there is one thing you are forgetting... parallel parking. All you need is one idiot to leave no space in front and you're screwed.

petersterncan

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

SeanKHotay — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:56:07 EST

"Hollen Sie innen das rollende Ei, dumbkaupf!"

Shouldn't it be Uerkel screaming this?

SeanKHotay

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Elhigh — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:45:18 EST

HOT DAMN!!

Screw the smart, THAT'S WHAT I WANT!

Except maybe without the front-opening door, and perhaps a couple of airbags.

Elhigh

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Bazza — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:25:35 EST

This rendering is brilliant, but i bet the dudes at BMW will mess it up though! that is ofcourse if they do build an Isetta!

Bazza

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

no_face — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:57:58 EST

I think god photochopped that picture.. There is just no way any car manufacture would do something as cool as those front fender flares.. Add something very similuar to the rear and im sold..

I could stair at those all day, its like looking at the perfect set of b00bs.

no_face

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

lanispet — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:53:42 EST

@FreeMan:
That's what i'm concerned about... load up an Isetta with everything it would take to be road-legal in 2010, and you don't really have an Isetta anymore.
Original Isettas in good condition sell for well over $10,000 nowadays, which is a shame, because i want one badly.

lanispet

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Rust-MyEnemy — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:39:13 EST

All depends on the pricing. If BMW can make this and sell it for sub £10k, I can see a helluva market for it in the UK...

I'll cite my parents household as an example. They have a 540i and a Ford Ka. The Ka, bless it, is coming to the end of its life, and even it is a little big to go inside their 2nd garage/workshop and allow space to walk round.

If they could get a sub-BMW, two, good, seats and sparkling economy, lower quality but still enough to feel like you're driving a BMW, they would take one like a shot. The Mini is too big, and frankly, they don't like it.

If BMW want every household they already have a grip on to be a totally BMW only household, this is a sound plan.

Rust-MyEnemy

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

kooper — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:23:13 EST

Doesn't sound that far-fetched actually. Merc has the Smart, so BMW might as well produce an Isetta.

If the Mini's anything to go by, this will sell up a storm as well if they build it.

I agree though, 2010 is just a tad optimistic.

kooper

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

eltonito — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:18:04 EST

@goatrope: I suspect the 2009 FourTwo with the BlueTec diesel will probably be one of the most efficient vehicles on the road. The forthcoming US version of the FourTwo was crippled by a poor engine choice and could be significantly better on fuel economy. Given that fact, I doubt we will see the MB sourced BlueTec in the states.

$5000 per car in losses? I need some documentation on that figure. Comparing financials versus sales figures, actual losses of Smart are less than $10.00 per unit sold.

The Isetta could easily sell well globally. Like the MINI or the New Beetle, it elicits a nostalgic, emotional response that might drive buyers to pay a premium price for an unconventional car. I have non doubt BMW could make it succeed and be profitable.

eltonito

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

sos10 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:47:39 EST

BMW is not going to build this, but it is a nice article anyway.

sos10

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

RalphieDC — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:30:23 EST

When I first saw the picture I thought it was the ass end of a New Beetle.... Yet I still like it? I'm confused.

RalphieDC

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Triborough — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 10:28:28 EST

These small cars would be perfect for NYC.
There is no need for anyone in NYC to be driving around in SUVs or NASCAR cars, especially on a gridlock alert day!

Triborough

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

MotownWonker — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:58:36 EST

Who says the car is too small for the US? Why, it can seat 6 comfortably...
www.stern.de/id/sport-motor/autoservice/index.html?eid=504263&id=504259&nv=fs&cp=37
So einfach ist dass! ;-)

MotownWonker

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

goatrope — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:52:41 EST

@no_slushbox: People are buying the SMART, yet Mercedes is losing about US$ 5,000 on each one. The US model only gets 34 city MPG and 40 hwy MPG - giving it a pretty big carbon footprint for such a small car. The Mini is significantly larger, but has the same carbon footprint.

The Isetta has been gone for 45 years now (BMW only built 162,000 of them over 7 years, not exactly VW Beetle numbers), and expectations are higher now. The Mini and the Cinquecento are about as small a platform as you can go and still be profitable. Yes, there are Japanese microcars which are smaller, but Japan and Pacific rim countries are pretty much closed markets.

Sure, I may be wrong, but I just don't see BMW throwing serious R&D money in the 3-meter and under market.

goatrope

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

franzouse — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:44:28 EST

There's definitely a market for that kind of vehicle, in Europe at least.
I'm in a company where people drive tiny cars: Mini's, Smart's, Toyota Aygos, Suzuki Swifts or the cuter than a puppy new Fiat 500 (yes I know, a Fiat), because we're in a very crowded urban area with tiny streets. Notice that very few of those cars are seen in North America.
Isetta, being known to Americans, who also know BMW, would have more succes selling in North America than another car maker like say, Renault, or Geely.
Plus I really want that new ultra compact 1.6l engine in the back so we can see what this baby can do (think "Italian Job" in Munich with new supercharged Isettas).

franzouse

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

microcars — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:38:07 EST

@Da5idRicardo: in Milan you are seeing all the 50cc cars that are available for people with no drivers licenses. (teens and elderly)

also to MS- the Isetta was known as "The Rolling Egg", The Messerschmitt was the one called "The Rolling Coffin".

microcars

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:31:30 EST

@BSAKat: I'm also going to have to disagree about the developed world point. Canada, being much more Europe-friendly than the US has also embraced ridiculous small cars. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a (diesel!) Smart ForTwo in the civilized parts.

I'm actually excited about the ForTwo. Mind you, I'd like to actually drive one, but tentatively, it's one of a very few new cars I'd actually consider at this point.

Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Da5idRicardo — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:22:22 EST

@goatrope: Not sure if developed=US in your mind, but here in Milano I can't grab an espresso without having to walk past 99 teeny tiny POS cars (including those scary little mower engined things from factories somewhere in inner mongolia). The smaller, lighter, and cheaper the better. Of course this is in a city where everyone else rides a bicycle or a scooter.

The new cinquecentos are everywhere. I expect this microbeemer will be a huge hit for those of us with more class than garage space. ;-)

Da5idRicardo

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

JantheMan — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:04:18 EST

Why suddenly make a car with no sence in the way that it lost it lack of sence.

JantheMan

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

no_slushbox — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:03:03 EST

@Heep: Supposedly the Mini brand is for any FWD cars, so if it sells under the BMW brand it will hopefully be rear engine, RWD.

The proper conversion would be the 160HP K1200 engine out of the BMW bikes.

@goatrope: People are buying the Smart, and the LUP!o concept is pretty popular.

no_slushbox

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

BSAKat — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:02:28 EST

@Paul Y: Heh, true enough.

I'm gonna have to disagree with Goatrope. While you're right about Postwar rebuilding being a part of the original Isetta's popularity, I think you're wrong about the developed world being well past this idea. Companies sell the hell out of small cars in Europe I believe, some of our Eurojalop friends can confirm/deny this. Even here, small cars have a lot of utility. If I lived in Chicago or Manhattan I'd drive one of these (or a Mini) when I needed to carry something bigger than I can strap to my Yamaha. Small cars in a crowded city for the win!

BSAKat

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Heep — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:51:36 EST

@Paul Y: "If the engine is in the correct place" - my thoughts exactly. Will it go all New Beetle-esque/Fiat 500-esque and end up with an engine where the door should be?

Heep

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

goatrope — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:47:37 EST

The Isetta was popular only because Germany was bombed to smithereens, and it was the next step up from a bicycle. Maybe this is targeted for India or China, but the developed world is well past this idea.

The 2010 production date is pure B.S. - BMW has been screwing around with the V-series minivan/touring/hatchback/coupe/peoplemover for six years now, and it still hasn't been finalized.

goatrope

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

FreeMan — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:38:13 EST

With reinforced beams, airbags, seat belts, and all the other modern wonders that'll make a 2010 Isetta weigh about 8 times what the 56 weighed, why couldn't they make it front doored and yet still safe?

FreeMan

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:31:14 EST

@BSAKat: ...Not that it's much of a challenge to build anything safer than an Isetta.

Still, this is potentially good news. If the engine is in the correct place, at least, it'll be excellent news.

Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

BSAKat — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:28:27 EST

@franzouse: Yeah, if it does come to fruition, I'll miss the front entry. You're right though, it'll be lightyears safer.

BSAKat

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

franzouse — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:21:24 EST

Doesn't look like you'll be able to exit the car from the front, which though uncool probably makes it safer.
Actually, this car needs suicide doors and BMW's new 1.6l Prince engine.

franzouse

Over the Back Fence: BMW to Build New Isetta Minicar?

BSAKat — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:14:54 EST

Oh, yes please. I can sum that up in one word; want.

BSAKat